As on might imagine, the decision to join the advisory board of any organization is not something taken lightly. It requires a deep belief in the purpose of the organization and the leadership team that drives it. I found both with CCAL and want to share with you a bit about the organization, as it is closely aligned with my “by families, for families” approach to elder care.

CCAL’s Mission

The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living (CCAL) is a national consumer education and advocacy organization focused on the needs, rights and protection of assisted living consumers, their caregivers and loved ones. CCAL educates consumers and professionals, and advocates for assisted living issues. CCAL works collaboratively with a broad spectrum of people and organizations to support quality, affordable assisted living.

Goals and Objectives

Ensure that the organization is financially secure, well managed, and successful in achieving its annual goals.

Educate consumers, advocates, professionals and the public about choices and needs in the confusing landscape of assisted living.

Strengthen the consumer’s voice and involvement in advocacy for assisted living.

Provide tools and resources to help consumers make informed choices.

Promote quality care and effective practices to enhance the quality of life for assisted living residents.

Advocate for assisted living as an option for individuals who have low to moderate incomes.

Monitor national assisted living issues to support consumer needs and to ensure that industry practices do not take precedence over consumer needs.

Serve as a national resource and facilitator to promote the exchange of information and ideas among the diverse stakeholders of assisted living.

Over the next several months, I will be sharing with you some of the major accomplishments CCAL has achieved and how we are collaborating with assisted living providers, industry experts and policymakers to make assisted living a positive experience for residents and their families.